Outdoor apparel brands often emerge and disappear, yet a few endure for years due to their reliability and a loyal customer base. One of my preferred brands that seems to garner universal admiration among outdoor enthusiasts is Kuhl clothing (officially spelled KÜHL).
I didn’t encounter Kuhl much until I began frequenting the ski slopes of the Rockies, after which I started noticing their presence everywhere. Whether it’s apres-ski in winter, trekking in the mountains, or enjoying some craft beers in a bar, in the Rockies, you’re bound to spot at least one individual adorned with one or two of their items. If you inquire about their opinion, they’ll likely share how remarkably well that piece has lasted or mention they own those pants in another hue.
<pI opted to discover if the acclaim was deserved and packed five Kuhl clothing items in my suitcase for a two-month journey through Europe in Autumn. I arrived on October 24 in Amsterdam and returned from Madrid on December 24, donning something from this brand nearly every day across the nine countries we traversed.
Kuhl Pants: Perfect for Travel and Built to Endure
This brand began with robust shorts designed for rock climbers and has maintained its standing as a go-to name for shorts or pants that will endure for ten years or more.
Kuhl’s standing for resilient apparel comes from their meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and comprehensive testing prior to market release. In their bottoms, they frequently utilize reinforced stitching techniques and strategic fabric placement to boost wear resistance in high-stress sections. You’re really going to have to work hard to wear these pants out, based on my experience with the two latest pairs I tested.
I brought along the Resistor Chino and the Free Radikl pants for my two months in Europe. The only times I wore something else was when dining at a nice restaurant (where I used my Western Rise pants) or when I was particularly concerned about theft on the streets (where I opted for my Pickpocket Proof Pants).
Most of the time, I wore one of these, and as I state in the video further down in this article, the Resistor Chino pants feature a zippered pocket in the rear, which gave me some confidence when my wallet was stowed there. Additionally, they include an extra-long pocket on the side that was perfect for the reading glasses I require for small text in dim venues, such as menus.
The fabric of the Resistor Chino resembles cotton but incorporates a slight stretch due to the nylon and spandex blended in. They are also treated to be water-resistant, which I appreciated when my water bottle leaked on my leg one day, and the water simply beaded up. Also, when I accidentally spilled a few drops of red wine on them, which typically spells disaster, not in this case.
The Free Radikyl pants bear resemblance to robust hikers, being lightweight yet strong and drying relatively fast after washing. They come in both regular and tapered fits and are engineered with articulation and breathable stretch panels, along with abundant reinforced stitching that will withstand wear.
They boast six pockets, including an extra-long pocket on each side that could accommodate a multi-tool, pocket knife, or even a mobile phone if it isn’t excessively wide.
I’m reluctant to link to specific product pages since styles and URLs frequently change; however, visit their pants page for more information. Yes, they offer plenty of styles for women too.
Kuhl Tops and Jackets
During the 2010s, I owned a Kuhl sweater that I really liked, but somehow, amid several moves between warmer locales, it was misplaced. However, on this two-month journey through Europe, I wore three new pieces from their collection that I truly enjoyed.
The item I wore the most during the cool November and December was the Team Merino Quarter Zip sweatshirt. It feels soft and warm, offers significant insulation, and can be worn for an extended period before needing a wash thanks to